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Communists in America

Explore the American "Red Scare" in the late 1940s and early 1950s, highlighting the impact of McCarthyism, HUAC, and key events such as the Alger Hiss Case and the Rosenberg trial. Understand the political climate and consequences of anti-communist fears.

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Communists in America

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  1. Communists in America What happens in America during the “Red Scare”?

  2. I. Late 40s “Red Scare” A. Republicans claim Truman was soft on Communism, claim communists may have infiltrated gov’t B. Truman sets up Loyalty Review Board to investigate “disloyal” govt employees, 3.2 million employees dismissed (1947-1951) C. House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC), 1947 1. HUAC investigated non-government industries, wants people in Hollywood film industry to testify to House a. “Hollywood Ten” were entertainers who refused to testify  some sent to prison b. 500 others “blacklisted” from Hollywood  cannot get work D. McCarran Internal Security Act (1950) 1. illegal to plan any action in the U.S. that may lead to a totalitarian dictatorship (Congress overrode Truman’s veto)

  3. HUAC Political Cartoon 1. What is the historical context? 2. What is happening in the cartoon? 3. What point is cartoonist trying to make about HUAC?

  4. II. Alger Hiss Case (1948) IV. Ethel & Julius Rosenberg (1950) A. Hiss (US diplomat) accused of spying for the Soviet Union, prosecuted by HUAC 1. Hiss claimed innocence, sent to prison for perjury (10yrs) A. Suspected in helping the Soviets develop their atomic bomb B. Denied guilt, but plead the 5th about being communists, found guilty & executed (06/1953)

  5. III. McCarthyism (1950-1954) C. CBS news reporter Ed Murrow goes after McCarthy (states McCarthy has weak to no evidence) A. Republican Sen. Joseph McCarthy (WI) claims communists are trying to take over the gov’t B. McCarthy claims he has evidence of communists in gov, military & media  no evidence ever presented D. McCarthy loses support of Eisenhower & public E. After being censured by the Senate, he dies 3 years later

  6. Herblock Political Cartoon 1. What is the historical context? 2. What is happening in the cartoon? 3. What point is cartoonist trying to make about McCarthyism?

  7. Herblock Political Cartoon 1. What is the historical context? 2. What is happening in the cartoon and to whom? 3. What point is cartoonist trying to make?

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